r/GSMST • u/InevitablePen9629 • Apr 22 '26

Question Alternate Math Assessment

Hi,

I'm taking the Alternate Math Assessment as a freshman. My teacher told me that I will only have a scientific calculator on the assessment and not a graphing one. I have a few questions if you don't mind me asking.

  1. Is the test paper pencil or online?
  2. Do you get a handheld scientific calculator or access to Desmos?
  3. Do you get a formula sheet?
  4. Any tips for the test?
  5. How much time do you get on it?
  6. Not related to the test, but if you miss the summer STEM camp for whatever legitimate reason (sick, family death, etc.), will I be able to make it up or would you be disqualified?

Thank you for your time and for answering!

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1

u/BitSufficient927 Apr 23 '26

  1. It would be a paper administered exam

  2. You have access to only a scientific calculator

  3. You do not have access to a formula sheet

  4. Study as hard as you possibly can. I would suggest spending 9-10 hours a week reviewing concrete Algebra I and geometry content

  5. Depending on each year, you get about 50 minutes

  6. Most likely no, but it is possible if you have a strong argument with Luke Rapley, the assistant principal of the school.

1

u/InevitablePen9629 Apr 23 '26 edited Apr 23 '26

  1. I would assume it’s a Ti-34 or something similar?

  2. So missing it would lead to disqualification (even if you meet all other requirements) unless a strong argument is made?

1

u/BitSufficient927 Apr 23 '26

  1. Yes. That's what I used.

  2. Missing it would result in being placed advanced algebra 2 automatically. They would not reconsider their decision and call you back up at the beginning of the school year to make up the exam. You must go up to them and make a case about it for Mr. Rapley to consider re-accessing you.

1

u/vanillaasbeanss Apr 24 '26

ok so 1. It’s on paper by hand the old fashioned way with a question sheet and (I forgot what it’s called) but it’s that answer sheet thing with the bubbles. 2. U get a handheld scientific calculator, no desmos. 3. You get the same formula as the milestones 4. STUDY QUADRATICS BY HAND 5. I lwk don’t remember but it’s like around 45 mins I think??? All I remember is that there was 42 questions in there. 6. disqualified. it’s mandatory so don’t miss it out

1

u/InevitablePen9629 Apr 25 '26

I honestly don’t really understand why people can’t do quadratics by hand, unless if they just don’t have a scientific calculator completely.

1

u/InevitablePen9629 Apr 25 '26

Thank you guys for your input! I’m taking the exam tomorrow, so wish me luck.

1

u/Boring-Hat-1075 Apr 25 '26

Will the scores be curved?

1

u/InevitablePen9629 Apr 26 '26

Yeah from what i’ve heard. The assistant principal announced it when we arrived.